Arkansas House Speaker Won't Run For Governor

Arkansas House Speaker Davy Carter says he won't seek the Republican nomination for governor next year. Carter announced Friday he won't be joining the gubernatorial race.

Arkansas House Speaker Davy Carter

Credit Nathan Vandiver / KUAR

Carter said last month he might seek the Republican nomination. Carter was elected House speaker last year after Republicans won control of the state Legislature in the November election. The 38-year-old has served in the state Legislature since 2009.

During this year's legislative session, Carter advocated for a plan to expand health coverage to low-income residents using federal funds. Republicans were sharply divided over the "private option," touted as an alternative to expanding Medicaid.

Former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson, state Rep. Debra Hobbs and Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman are seeking the GOP nomination.